Carter, A., Hoffmann, L.R., Scott, A., David, M., Torres Strait Regional Authority Land and Sea Rangers, and Rasheed, M.A. (2022) Torres Strait Seagrass Report Card 2022. Report. TropWATER, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

[Extract] Torres Strait seagrass meadows are abundant, widespread, and contain some of the greatest species diversity in the Indo-Pacific (Carter et al. 2014; Coles et al. 2003; Poiner and Peterkin 1996). These seagrass habitats are of national significance due to their large size, their role in sustaining fisheries, and as a food source for the iconic and culturally important species dugong and turtle, which play a vital role in the ecology and cultural economy of the region (TSRA 2016).

Torres Strait Islanders depend heavily on their surrounding marine resources, and their consumption of marine species are among the highest in the world (Kleisner et al. 2015; Johannes and MacFarlane 1991). Most of these important species, including fish, prawns, beche de mer, and tropical rock lobster, are reliant on seagrass during some stage of their life-cycle (Marsh et al. 2015; Unsworth and Cullen 2010; Heck et al. 2008; Green 2006). The loss of seagrass would have detrimental flow on effects to Torres Strait Islanders’ spiritual, cultural and economic well-being (TSRA 2016; Kleisner et al. 2015; Faury 2009).

Item ID:	79378
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Copyright Information:	© James Cook University, 2022.
Funders:	Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA)
Date Deposited:	26 Jul 2023 02:34
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 100%
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